Terrible conditions greeted footy players and netballers at the start of their 2018 campaigns at the weekend. Heavy rain and winds were not enough to deter players from taking to the fields and courts across the region to play the sports they love. Down at North Park, Swifts made a strong start with both A Grade and senior football teams claiming big wins over Pimpinio. Damon Folkes celebrated his 100th match in his return from an ACL injury. Tatyoon and the Ararat Eagles faced off in the Mininera District league, with the Hawks taking the honours in a low scoring affair. SEE MORE: BAGGIES START SEASON ON A HIGH WITH 107-POINT WIN OVER TIGERS SEE MORE: SWIFTS GIVEN CONFIDENCE BOOST FOLLOWING 32-GOAL TRIUMPH SEE MORE: 2017 UNDER 17 PREMIERSHIP FLAG UNVEILED AT NORTH PARK SEE MORE: HAWKS HOLD OFF EAGLES IN LOW SCORING SCRAP